Student Life

AFHS Students Fight Boredom and Loneliness During Virtual Learning

Volunteering During a Pandemic 

By Daniela Paris | Photos by Daniela Paris

By Julia Rowland | Photo by Julia Rowland

Students may be getting used to virtual learning, but that doesn't mean they enjoy it. Of course, virtual learning brings a host of benefits, from rolling straight out of bed into online classes, to extra work time (or nap time) in between synchronous sessions. With that being said, sitting in front of a computer all day with little social interaction can quickly grow old, as relaxation turns to boredom, and ease turns to loneliness. However, AFHS students have come up with ways to cope.

For a few students, sleep seemed to be a source of comfort--or merely a way to pass the time. "Sleep, sleep until the body aches, then sleep some more," Logan Tiber, a senior, recommended. Another senior, T.J. Abernathy, stated that he draws during class meetings to pass the time, then naps during asynchronous times. Before following these students' example, however, keep in mind that while a great way to catch up on much-needed sleep after an all-nighter, too many naps can actually have the opposite effect than intended, according to the Mayo Clinic. So nap responsibly.

Several high schoolers have fallen back onto technology for entertainment and the much-needed social aspect that the pandemic has made difficult to find. Gillian Foster, a junior, said "Minecraft with friends after school" helps her fight boredom. Shane Menzigan (12) said, "I talk to friends using Discord, which is essentially Skype. Really helps." Experts would agree about the importance of maintaining socialization, even during quarantine--as an Atlantic article notes, using a variety of media formats--texting, calling, Facetime--to interact with friends can prove beneficial.

Going out into nature can also help boost students' moods and outlooks, whether alone or accompanied. When asked what he does to stay active during virtual learning, Kaleb Holder, a senior, wrote, rather poetically, "I bustle to a forest, follow the overgrown trails, jump into a stream, and pick fruit." Logan Pastor (12), said, "I go to the park with friends after school." Several areas in the vicinity offer an easy outlet for students to go into nature--the Apex Nature Park boasts a beautiful hiking trail, and Harris Lake, ten or so minutes away from AFHS, has a trail around the lake that students can hike.

For those to whom the idea of leaving the house sounds unappealing, Apex Friendship students mentioned one more way of keeping spirits high during virtual schooling: keeping busy and trying new hobbies. "I overload on work so I forget that I'm bored," Fedora Castellino (12) said. Johana McGhee added, "I just try to busy myself with as many things as I can--because I've been in quarantine since April; it's really all I can do." Several students picked up a new hobby such as learning to play guitar or drawing to pass the time as well.

All in all, while virtual classes may be frustrating to students at times (or all the time), students should keep in mind that other students at AFHS find themselves in the same boat. Remember to turn in those assignments by 11:59, attend those virtual classes, and most importantly, keep searching for ways to fight boredom and loneliness during these strange times in the midst of the pandemic.

Just when it looks like this year could not possibly get any worse, somehow, it finds a way. The killer bees, fires in Australia, a pandemic that looks as if it came straight from a dystopian novel, and riots tearing apart the country have been landmarks that no one will want to remember decades from now. Though it might seem like the effects of the pandemic, such as unemployment and lack of materials for students in remote learning, cannot be helped, for those interested in lending a helping hand, read on to learn how to volunteer during a pandemic.

DoSomething.org, an excellent website for locating simple ways to volunteer, has partnered with the National Honors Society at AFHS to give students an opportunity to help out those that have been affected by the current pandemic. The website includes over 300 different volunteer activities for students to choose from. Some students may enjoy taking a short quiz or making a card, while others might prefer donating materials or cleaning up the streets. For students looking to make a real difference during such a trying time, they can spend time collecting food or books from friends and neighbors to donate. Food and book drives have become increasingly important, now more than ever before.

To find even more ways of volunteering, check out nc.gov. This website has dozens of different ways that teens can help out, even if they can't leave their homes. Creating care packages, writing letters to seniors, and online tutoring can end up helping quite a lot of people and doesn't require any physical interaction. This way, teens can stay safe while also making an impact. According to nc.gov, "The COVID-19 pandemic has affected North Carolinians in unprecedented ways, but there are ways we can help our communities, neighbors and local organizations."

For more opinionated teens who prefer hands-on volunteering, working as a poll worker for the 2020 election may be the ideal opportunity to experience the world of politics at a young age. The younger generation has always been encouraged to engage in the political affairs that run the country, especially after the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law allowing high school students to work in the polls on election day. According to carolinapublicpress.org, "Brunswick County plans to pay its Election Day workers $200, plus paid training. Base pay for poll workers is minimum wage, at $7.25 per hour." Unfortunately, if not enough volunteers get involved to help with polling, this could cause polling places to shut down. Sign up to work the polls by going on the NCSBE website or contacting the county board of elections to get involved in the democratic process and be a part of such an important occasion, especially for the year 2020.

With the apparent hopelessness that fills the country, and the world, some teenagers may feel helpless, as if they cannot make a difference. However, a little does go a long way, so just writing a card to a nursing home resident who cannot see their family or helping to tutor someone who may be struggling with online learning does make a difference. It may not impact the rest of the world, but if one small act of kindness can make someone smile and feel better about their current situation, that shows how important volunteering can be to the lives of those in need.

Guide to Surviving Freshman Year of High School

By Grey Boorstein | Photo by Grey Boorstein

Freshman year, students start planning for their future, the clubs they join, and their course selections. The choices they make affect the outcome of their high school experience and ultimately weigh in on their college applications. It sounds challenging and stressful, but it doesn't have to be.

Some of the most helpful resources students have access to include teachers and school staff members, especially during online learning. Without being able to meet teachers or counselors face to face, it becomes important for students to familiarize themselves with using their school email. "You're in high school now, get comfortable connecting to school staff directly rather than depending on a parent to do it for you," said Mr. Donatini, the counselor for all freshman year students.

Mr. Donatini, a great resource, commented, "There is a lot to keep track of in highschool. You, or any adult for that matter, would struggle to be successful if not organized. Once you have it all written down in one place, you won't feel as overwhelmed by the things you have or want to accomplish." A good path to success sometimes rests in habits as simple as using a planner and designating a quiet place to study and finish assignments. Organization like this won't just get students through freshman year, but all of high school, so it remains important to learn organizational skills now rather than later.

"If you have goals for after high school, start planning and educating yourself now. There are multiple paths to attain a goal," said Mr. Donatini. Students should focus on what interests them, or take this year to figure out what they like. Plenty of classes and clubs exist with a large array of topics. For example, let's take a look at cultural media literacy, a fun class with a light work load for those interested in filmmaking and understanding a film's deeper meaning. AFHS offers many other classes that can help students find interests or even develop pre-existing interests, such as theatre, creative writing, art, technology, and engineering.

Let's not forget AP classes, a great way to "boost your GPA and strengthen your college application," according to The Princeton Review, "..but the number of advanced courses you choose to take should depend on your academic interests and your schedule." If looking for other ways to appear well-rounded in college applications, students should look at clubs and afterschool programs. Students can also join clubs focusing on creating a safe space and community, like SAGA, HCC, and the Muslim Student Association. For a full list of clubs, head to AFHS's club website. If students do join clubs, they should remember to keep a list of what activities they participate in, so when college applications come around they'll have plenty to add.

With only four years until college, students should start their highschool term off right. Students can choose how to use their freshman year, whether they join clubs, sign up for AP classes, start setting goals and planning for the future. Make sure to enjoy freshman year while also taking advantage of any opportunities and having a good time. 

Coping With Mental Health Issues

By Sahara Attucks

Life has drastically changed for everyone during the pandemic. 2020 has brought some life-changing events for the world. Covid19, the Black Lives Matter movement, the Beirut blast, and many more events have unfolded in 2020. These events can result in negative emotions, and that takes a toll on mental health, leading to depression or anxiety. For example, people with underlying health conditions could have too much anxiety to go outside because they fear catching Covid19 and dying. When another innocent person of color gets abused by police brutality, it causes depression.

AFHS Clubs Going Virtual

By Daniela Paris | Photos courtesy of AFHS Speech and Debate and Club Unify

Many would consider it old news by now: a global pandemic, having to wear a mask everywhere, and of course, (sigh) virtual school. The first couple of weeks have passed more-or-less successfully for students, with some new responsibilities and no shortage of technical problems. Thanks to some decisions made by Wake County, however, clubs will soon be allowed to start up again virtually in order for students to participate in extracurriculars.

Several clubs have had to adapt in order to make attendance and activities possible amidst the pandemic. Tournament-based clubs, especially, have had to change rules and practice schedules to allow students the chance to compete. Speech and Debate, one such tournament-based club, enables students to debate on current political issues or give speeches. The club will hold hour long practices once a week for each event through Google Meets. Weekend tournaments against other schools will continue as scheduled, though they will be moved online until at least February, when decisions will be made regarding future tournaments' online versus in-person status.

Club Unify, which brings together students with and without disabilities within the AFHS community, aims to continue meeting. Mrs. Kitchen, who teaches students in special education and serves as one of the advisers for the club, noted the challenge that students with special needs will face this year, saying, "Virtual learning is very challenging for them and they need a lot of parental help...Our parents and our first priority is to get our kids to participate in academics so this might put Unify on the backburner." Regardless, Mrs. Kitchen remains optimistic. While the club will no longer be able to run events like Pals Lunches or Unify soccer, cheerleading, and dance parties, members hope to run similar events over Google Meets and potentially have a virtual prom in the spring.

BSA, or Black Student Alliance, "works with students of color to provide academic and social enrichment as well as opportunities for school and community involvement," as stated on the school website. The club will continue to run meetings for students in a virtual setting. Ms. Williams, the club's adviser, stated that although this year the club will be unable to attend the annual NAACP Moral March in downtown Raleigh, the club's president, Serkute Abebe, and vice president, Faatimah Bell, still plan on having meetings, as well as think tank discussions, speakers, and Black History Month activities. For updates, check the BSA Instagram page, @afhs_bsa.

Not all clubs at AFHS have decided to continue virtually, however. Film club, chess club, AFHS Drama Club, and several others will not hold meetings while students attend school online. Holding activities and connecting over platforms such as Google Meets adds to the difficulty of having meetings. Another AFHS club, the Open Mic Club, will also not be meeting virtually. Johana Mcghee (12), co-founder of the club, elaborated on why the club will most likely not continue until students return to school, saying, "We believe it would be harder to get people to come to meetings and to perform over Google Meets. This is already an overwhelming school year because everything is different, and it would be discouraging for us, the leaders, to put time into planning, not knowing whether anyone will show up."

For students looking to get involved with clubs and extracurriculars at AFHS this year, many options still exist. Head to this link for a full list of school clubs that will continue to hold meetings virtually, including each club's description, teacher adviser, and social media handles.

COVID: Your Experience Versus Celebrities'

By Maria Chettoor | Photo by Maria Chettoor

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many people's lifestyles to a strange new normal. Many people lost jobs and access to in-person school and started working and learning from home. Gyms and recreational centers have opened, but only at partial capacity. Popular restaurants closed sit-in dining and instead made delivery and takeout their primary way to get food to customers. Governor Cooper has made masks mandatory to stop the spread of corona. These adjustments have created a new reality for everyone.

Celebrities have taken a break from the entertainment industry to enjoy all that quarantine has to offer and get a taste of how regular people live their lives. Some celebs stayed at home and enjoyed the company of significant others or pets. Reese Witherspoon, a well-known actress best known for her role in Legally Blonde, spent her time trying to master the art of watercolor. Others have gone on private vacations to get away from the boredom at home. Even though celebrities have to live a somewhat normal lifestyle now, many point out the special treatment they've received. From the multimillion-dollar mansions where they reside to the private yacht trips, celebrities remain unequal to the average person because of their money. According to The Nation, Rand Paul, a wealthy United States senator, showed no symptoms, but received a test immediately. Unlike him, normal citizens have sometimes been rejected tests when showing symptoms, which can lead to fatality. People agree that if someone has more money, living during a pandemic becomes easier.

One famous singer, Ariana Grande, tried her best to make it easier for those who can't afford to help out. Ariana donated to five different charities and tried to raise awareness for the pandemic, saying, "It is incredibly dangerous and selfish to take this situation lightly." While some celebs recognize their privilege and try to make changes, others seem to remain oblivious.

Regular people find it easier to adjust to new circumstances. Kids have come up with ways to see their friends and continue to do hobbies online. Many students at Apex Friendship said that the coronavirus outbreak has affected them socially, mentally, and physically. Elena Anand, a freshman at AFHS, said, "I had basketball practice, and I'm missing that key time with my teammates. I would go to my friend's houses or the library, but that had to stop because of corona. I felt like I was stuck and bored since I'm looking at the same faces every day at my house."

Another student, Audrey Isaacs, a sophomore, said, "I feel like my mindset has changed and I am a lot happier in some ways, but it's also made me less happy because I don't get to see my friends. I haven't talked to many people since I don't have the social aspect that school gives me, but I still hang out with some friends and Facetime others." Students have to miss out on sports, clubs, and activities that make their lives fun. They, unfortunately, don't get the luxury of attending parties or big social gatherings in these times like some celebrities can. Even though celebrities have the same risk of getting Covid-19 compared to regular people, many can agree a big wall continues to divide the way they live their lives. 

Creating a Bullet Journal

By Shelby Salisbury

Feeling unorganized or have a love for stationery? Bullet journaling may be the perfect outlet. This activity helps with organization, habit-tracking, and creativity. Different types of bullet journals exist. Some use a bullet journal as a book for drawings, while others use it to track daily habits such as sleeping or exercising. They have some aspects in common among them: most journals have bright colors, washi tape, and beautiful calligraphy. Read on for tips on starting a bullet journal and deciding what topic to journal about.

Start by deciding what type of bullet journal it will be. Pinterest can be used as a search tool to help discover topics for the journal. Once the topic of the journal gets chosen, it becomes time to start buying supplies. This usually includes the bullet journal, which can come gridded, lined, or completely blank. Next comes choosing pens and markers to write in the journal-this plays an important part in journaling. A journal written in pencil can get messy. Also, another supply that can be important would be washi tape. They can help divide pages and enforce theme. The tapes come in many different variations, from shiny to glittery. To purchase supplies, check out Amazon or Joannes Craft Store for great deals on supplies. These tend to go on sale in stores during the holidays.

When opening the journal, write down names, phone numbers, and social media tags, which will help if the journal gets lost. No matter what type of journal, having a table of contents can be helpful for finding pages, and creating an organization. Save a few pages at the beginning for the table of contents. Go to the first page after the table of contents to start. If uncertain where to start making a list of possible pages to do in the notebook or create an interest page for what topics will be in the journal. Bullet journals usually last for more than 4 months, but it all depends on how much gets put in the journal.

Bullet journals can function as an agenda for school assignments, which will benefit people who prefer a different set up than in-store agendas. It can be quite helpful to do it week by week with important events, homework, and test dates. Artists in particular may enjoy bullet journaling as many directions exist for the style of the journal. They may enjoy doodling in the journal or calligraphy for titles. On Youtube, videos about bullet journals exist showing many different types for many different people.

Affording The Private Price Tag

By Daniela Paris

Enormous levels of prestige surround the nation's top colleges: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Brown, among others. Many students work themselves nearly to death throughout high school in hopes of receiving acceptance letters from these famed private colleges, only to face harsh wake-up calls in senior year when they hear of the enormous price tags of tuition. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these concerns, as many students wonder what tuition will look like as the pandemic continues. Before giving up on their aspirations, however, students should know that there exist many options to affording private tuition for higher education. Read on for a few methods to lower (or at least pay back some of) that private school tuition.

Fill out FAFSA for financial aid

Receiving government or college financial aid should always be the first step in a student's tuition-funding journey. According to studentaid.gov, students should check state and local laws to find their due date for submission, and submit their FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as early as possible to receive the most aid. Students will need several documents, including their Social Security card, a parent's Social Security card, and tax return documents, among others. The FAFSA proves crucial, as many private colleges use information from the forms to inform decisions on how much aid to give with tuition to each student. According to their website, Duke University, for example, pledges to meet 100% of student demonstrated need as shown on the FAFSA..

Apply for private scholarships

Some students don't qualify for financial aid, but don't fret. Thousands of scholarship opportunities exist based on merit, rather than demonstrated need, that students can apply to over the course of their junior and senior years in high school. Head to scholarships.com, college.net, fastweb, or several other scholarship-search websites to efficiently locate and apply for a wide variety of scholarships. Don't waste time, however-remember that the bigger the scholarship, the bigger the application pool, and the smaller the chances of winning. Instead, focus on scholarships offered to more narrow demographics.

Consider graduating early

High schoolers today can find an abundance of opportunities to gain college credit or take college-level classes while still in high school, and thus save thousands of dollars on tuition by graduating a semester or even a year early. First, look into taking advanced placement, or AP courses, and do well on the exams to ensure colleges accept scores for class credit-private universities tend to be more strict on this issue than public ones. In junior and senior year of high school, talk to a school counselor about signing up for dual enrollment in community college, which Wake Tech offers to AFHS students for free. These college course credits will transfer to most universities.

Find a work-study job

The government often provides part-time jobs for college students with financial need. The positions available depend on the institution, but most students in work-study positions earn a good sum of money that can be put towards the day-to-day expenses of being a college student. However, keep in mind that most work-study job awards provide only meager funds for college tuition, and as studentaid.gov states, "The amount you earn can't exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. When assigning work hours, your employer or your school's financial aid office will consider your class schedule and your academic progress."

Don't Worry About The Coronavirus Affecting Government Aid

Any students or parents worried about paying monthly student loan fees need not stress--as studentaid.gov reported, "On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act into law, which, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers." This act will allow borrowers to stop paying monthly loan payments until September 30, 2020, in light of the pandemic and economic stresses it has caused. Students may continue paying the loan if they so choose.

Options for paying the high price tags of private colleges may seem bleak and hopeless at first, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but hopefully, with these tips and a little extra time and effort, students can shave thousands of dollars off their tuition costs and attend the college of their dreams.